john Prine, “lake Marie’
from: lost dogs and mixes blessings, 1995
John Prine passed away at 73 years old in April 2020 as an early victim of complications from the coronavirus. He wrote so many great songs that it is near impossible to pick one’s favorites. For me, Lake Marie was one of them.
One of the key themes of “Lake Marie” is the power of love to transcend time and history. The song tells the story of two lovers who are connected to the land and each other in a deep and profound way. They are linked to the past and the present, and their love endures even in the face of tragedy and loss. The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, as the lovers contemplate the beauty and majesty of the lake and the world they inhabit.
Another theme of the song is the tension between nature and civilization. The lake is a symbol of the natural beauty and majesty that exists in the world, but it is also a place of conflict and struggle. The Battle of Lake Marie is a reminder of the violent history that has taken place on this land, and the song alludes to other conflicts and tensions that have shaped the world and the people who inhabit it. Yet despite these challenges, the lovers in the song find solace and comfort in each other, and they are able to see the beauty and wonder in the world despite its flaws and imperfections.
-Alan West-
““Writing is about a blank piece of paper and leaving out what’s not supposed to be there.”
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